DUNKIRK
Dunkirk is a port city in the north of France, close to the border with Belgium. It is known both for the liveliness of its port and for the important battles that were fought here during the Second World War.
A brief history of Dunkerque
The earliest records of Dunkirk date back to the year one thousand. Due to its strategic position, the French, English, Dutch and Spanish all fought fiercely over the land and finally, in the mid-1600s the French conquered it. However, it was almost immediately returned to the Spaniards, then it joined the British Commonwealth at the end in 1657, after a clash between the Habsburgs and Cromwell's England. Eventually, France took Dunkirk when Charles II of England gave it to him. In the early 1900s, Dunkirk became the undisputed protagonist of events related to the Second World War, the famous Battle of Dunkerque took place here as well as Operation Dynamo in 1940, also known as the Miracle of Dunkerque.
Places to visit
Dunkerque seafront is really pleasant, there are many beautiful buildings along beside it that date back to the world wars and there are also lots of good fish restaurants. The centre of the city is home to two Unesco heritage bell towers, the town hall tower and the Saint Eloi church. Another wonderful tower is the Tower of Liars, which has four clocks, one on each side. Don't miss a visit to the Port Museum, which is located inside a former tobacco warehouse, it tells the story of the events that unfolded at Dunkerque port. There is also the Fine Arts Museum, that houses a collection of paintings and sculptures by Italian, French and Flemish artists.
Beaches around Dunkirk
The main beach in Dunkerque is called Malo Les Bains, it is popular with kite and windsurfers. There are also fascinating sand dunes to explore, they extend for about 600 hectares.